As I have driven around Picher Oklahoma and done research and thought has crossed my mind more than once. "If the chat piles, land and water sources are contaminated what effect is it having on the local wildlife? I have seen new drainage canals that have been cut for the runoff from chat piles, is this safe? Just a couple of thoughts. Here is a picture of a new canal for drainage. Plus one of the creek that runs through the town. Made for a beautiful picture I think.

Just a quick post of some of the places I was lucky enough to see near home.

I love to go to Picher Oklahoma. It is truly a land of constant change. So here is a little history about Picher that you might not know.

Picher, Zincville, and Hockerville on supplied more that 50% of all lead and zinc used during WWI. The largest population was in 1926, it was 14,252 people. Because of unrestricted subsurface excavation, most of Picher was in danger of cave-ins. Because of ground water contamination, cave-in risk and health issues the town was bought by the state and federal government. Giant piles of mining tailings known as "Chat" are heaped throughout the city and surrounding area.

Joplin Train Depot